African red-eyed bulbul

African red-eyed bulbul
P. n. nigricans
Damaraland, Namibia
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Pycnonotidae
Genus: Pycnonotus
Species:
P. nigricans
Binomial name
Pycnonotus nigricans
(Vieillot, 1818)
     resident, nomadic and migratory range
Synonyms
  • Turdus nigricans

The African red-eyed bulbul or black-fronted bulbul (Pycnonotus nigricans) is a species of songbird in the family Pycnonotidae. It is found in south-western Africa. Its natural habitats are dry savanna, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, and riverine scrub.[1][2][3] It feeds on fruit (including Ficus), flowers, nectar, and insects.[2][3]

Description

The African red-eyed bulbul ranges from 19 to 21 centimeters (7-8 inches) in length and weighs 30-48 grams (1-1.7 ounces). Its call is a series of loud fluty notes, usually given only by the male.[2][3]

Taxonomy and systematics

The African red-eyed bulbul was originally described in the genus Turdus. The African red-eyed bulbul is considered to belong to a superspecies along with the Himalayan bulbul, white-eared bulbul, white-spectacled bulbul, Cape bulbul, and the common bulbul.[4] The alternate name of 'red-eyed bulbul' is also used by the Asian red-eyed bulbul.

Subspecies

Two subspecies are recognized:[5]

  • P. n. nigricans – (Vieillot, 1818): Found in south-western Angola, Namibia and Botswana and western South Africa
  • P. n. superior – Clancey, 1959: Found in central South Africa
  • P. n. nigricans; communal bathing at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, with one or two keeping watch
    P. n. nigricans; communal bathing at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, with one or two keeping watch
  • Nominate race at Etosha N. P., showing relatively pale breast plumage
    Nominate race at Etosha N. P., showing relatively pale breast plumage
  • The easterly P. n. subsp. superior, with darker breast and mantle plumage
    The easterly P. n. subsp. superior, with darker breast and mantle plumage
  • Group of African red-eyed bulbuls in Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Botswana
    Group of African red-eyed bulbuls in Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Botswana
  • African red-eyed bulbul in Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park, Namibia
    African red-eyed bulbul in Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park, Namibia

References

  1. ^ a b BirdLife International (2018). "Pycnonotus nigricans". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T22712671A132101672. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22712671A132101672.en. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "Black-fronted Bulbul (Pycnonotus nigricans)". hbw.com. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  3. ^ a b c Sinclair, Ian; Ryan, Peter (2009). Complete photographic field guide birds of Southern Africa. Struik Nature.
  4. ^ "Himalayan Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys)". hbw.com. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
  5. ^ "Bulbuls « IOC World Bird List". worldbirdnames.org. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
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